Fashion, Travel , Lifestyle

Beauty

Entrepreneur and former soap opera actress Vera Moore was used to paving the way before she started Vera Moore Cosmetics. While on the path to working for the federal government Vera Moore realized her love of theater and dedicated her free time to auditions. She got her first acting gig on the show called South Pacific as a member of the chorus. She soon moved on to acting in soap operas which lead to her a role on NBC’s Another World where she was one of the very first black actresses cast. During her ten plus years sitting in a makeup chair she realized that there was a lack of products available for women of color. This inspired Vera to create a long-lasting foundation that looked natural on women of color. From that one successful product her beauty and skin care line was launched. The company is now 39 years old and has managed to grow and break barriers such as being the first business owned by a person of color located in Greene Acres Mall on Long Island.

The beauty business was always a family trait as Vera Moore’s husband owned a hair salon that their daughter Consuella grew up in. Vera Moore Cosmetics has continued its legacy of being a family owned business, with Consuella as the COO. She is also a professional aesthetician and helps Vera progress the brand by bringing her younger point of view and experience. Vera and Consuella focus on providing genuine quality and listening to what their customer needs are. They want their costumers to have healthy skin, look beautiful and to feel great in their skin. Those basics are why the brand is highly successful with classic colors and skin friendly products that can never go wrong. Although they are not afraid to include pops of fun colors and experiment with their brand. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both women on multiple occasions and I can honestly say they are a pair of happy and genuine women. So its fair to say that they put their own personalities and values into the Vera Moore brand. Here are a few of the products that I’ve tested from the brand and check out my YouTube channel were I do an unboxing and swatching of the products.

Lips: The one makeup product I can’t live without is lipstick! So I was super excited when I got a few lipsticks and something I haven’t used in a while, lipgloss! Which contain ingredients such as coconut and sunflower seed oil, spearmint, aloe vera and vitamins C&E. While the lipsticks include ingredients such as castor oil and beeswax.

Lipstick:

Vera’s Red

Oynx Wine

Autumn Gold

Lipgloss/ LipLiner:

Lollipop (bright pink, has a hint of mint!)

Baby Doll ( My FAVORITE, blush color that can go with every look)

Naked Innocence ( A sheer gold, nude color perfect to top other lipsticks or on its own)

Lip Liner Pencil in Chestnut (brown)

Brows: I am very particular when it comes to brow products so I was glad when I fell in love with how the browliner glided right on. And it has a spoolie! It is definitely part of my everyday arsenal now.

Skincare: I was also sent the Vera Moore’s Signature Collection set. I’ve used it and I swear I feel my skin tightening! My mother basically took this from me and is in love with it. She also says she can feel her face firming. She also has told me a problem area, the chin is less wrinkly! So it is a must have for the both of us now! Except she’ll have to get her own soon! My mother never raves about skincare, so I know she’s serious.

Peptide+Serum with vitamins C+E+CoQ10+Gotu Kola

C+Moisturizer with vitamin E + CoQ10

The Vera Moore brand is not only a success story that generations of entrepreneurs can look up to for its success as a business but one that gives back. Despite her many recognitions and accolades Vera has stayed true to herself by being apart of many business centers and conferences that help up and coming entrepreneurs. These include The New York Woman Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers and the organization Best Buddies that focuses on the needs of autistic children. These are just a few of the recognitions and organizations she has received and is a part of as there are way to many to list! Her products are not only used by the everyday woman but by anchor women, makeup artists, celebrities and have been used on shows such as the Wendy Williams Show. You can find Vera Moore products in Duane Reade, Walgreens and directly on their website. Vera and Consuella make sure to answer their customers questions so don’t hesitate to send them an email with any questions you might have about their products. Make sure to go over to my YouTube channel next for my Vera Moore unboxing!

Mother’s Day is around the corner! Have you brought a gift for one of the most important women in your life yet? No? Well no worries here is a gift guide I put together for the momma who loves Nordstrom. Click here for the fashionista mom who loves Target! These are a few things that I’m loving from the beauty department at Nordstrom right now. Let me know what you love and which you are going to get for your mom. Perhaps you’ll want to get them all and put them in a Mother’s Day gift basket?-Affiliate Links included within this post.

I’m a little addicted to lipsticks! I have so many that my makeup drawer dedicated to lipsticks is having a hard time closing. That doesn’t mean I can’t figure out where to put new ones. Here are some from BH Cosemtics that I’m loving. Hurry BH Cosmetics is having an up to 50% sitewide sale!!! (Affiliate links are included within this post.)

I love empowering events that help entrepreneurs and especially women entrepreneurs. That’s exactly what Glambition ’18 was! As one of the guest said to me what’s not to love when glam and ambition are combined? The event was held at the gorgeous Google NYC Headquarters in Chelsea. The day was full of powerful speakers and businesses with innovative products and services. The event started with delicious light refreshments and a chance to network with the beauty businesses there. Here is what else this great event had to offer!

The life insurance company educated the various age ranges at the event on this topic that many feel nervous about. The educational talk taught me among other things that you can start your life insurance savings at any age even at a few months after birth!

With a background in acting Vera saw first hand the struggle makeup artists had in finding makeup that was suitable for people of color. With a new-found passion, she set out to create cosmetics that would not turn greasy, rub off or change colors when applied. Her years of experience have gained her many accolades not only in the beauty industry but in acting, publishing and business.

Founders of the Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance giving great business advice. The commerce offers education, guidance and create opportunities for those looking to grow in the cosmetology and beauty arena.

With a focus on health, wellness and beauty Salud offers all natural solutions to everyday needs. I was recently featured in a YouTube video for Salud and wrote a blog post on why I use their products. They were also showcasing a most delicious tea!

Created by model Kim Baker, Glamazon Cosmetics caters to all women who want coverage and color variety within their makeup. Originally a model for Whilimenia she like Vera Moore has full knowledge on the struggles women of color have with makeup. Glamazon Cosmetics liquid lipsticks are one of my go to’s as their longevity is reliable.

Known for bold colors this NYC start-up had everyone saying ohh and ahh to their Matte and Glitter Palette. Another ingenious invention by Celfie? The lipstick with a light built-in and mirrored cap! And as one girl exclaimed “perfect for the club!”

Swisse– Australia based Swiss offers vitamins and supplements that are loved by Nicole Kidman and many stars alike. I’ve started taking their Blood Orange Hair, Skin and Nails dietary supplement. The drink contains only orange extract, Silica that promotes hair growth and Vitamin C which can help prevent sun damage to the skin.

Faces Beautiful– This vegan makeup line showcased their Face in a Case magnetic makeup organizer. Not only does the case hold makeup but it doubles as a wallet and cell phone holder. Carrying makeup in a messy bag is longer necessary!

Model Citizen– A rental, lending and shopping platform that allows you to share your great fashion finds.

Minfo– An app that allows you to scan or hear an ad and directs you to the company website immediately. No need to wait to hear the ad again to catch what you missed!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Speakers also included C-Suite Coach creator and Google Digital Coach Angelina Darrisaw, Editor-In-Chief of Bella Magazine Courtenay Hall, Hello Beautiful editor and Model Citizen creator Daniel James and Google’s Strategic Partnership and Program Lead Aisha Taylor. While I got the chance to lead the Blogger Round Table speaking about the goodies in our swag bags. You must attend Glambition’s next event to take in all the advice that comes with such knowledgeable business owners and successful women. I’ll be sure to share info on my social channels when the next Glambition is planned. Did you go to Glambition Beauty Night Out 18? I look forward to the next one!

New to the beauty market is Salud (health) by Dr. Rigo. A health and wellness brand that includes all natural ingredient filled products. Their goal is to provide all natural health and beauty solutions for all your wellness and beauty needs. From hair and skin health to digestive health, Salud has an all natural alternative for everyday products. Now I love trying anything new, especially if its health conscious because as a society we have become more aware about what we put in our bodies. If it’s important to you what you put in your body why not what you put on your body? If you’re leading an all natural lifestyle adding an all natural beauty routine is a no brainer! Here are some of the products I love from Salud.

This has become my go to for washing my face in the morning to when I have take off makeup at night. I absolutely love the scent which is derived from the combination of the natural ingredients. A mixture of oils such as rosehip oil, yogurt made with goat milk and the popular beauty ingredient charcoal are what make up the facial bar. Each ingredient has a specific natural remedy for skin irritations. Rosehip Oil contains vitamins,antioxidants and fatty acids that help lighten dark spots. The oil also helps reduce wrinkles and hydrate skin. Goats milk contains lactic acid which helps remove those dead skin cells that clog pores. While my favorite ingredient the activated charcoal pulls bacteria, dirt and toxins from your pores. It basically fights my skins arch-enemy, blackheads!

If you’re looking for a natural way to style your hair and keep your skin smooth try they Mai Hair and Body Oil. This natural moisturizer combines RoseHip Oil, Organic Safflower, Hemp and Kukui Nut. All of which combined help with the hydration and protection of hair while stimulating natural growth. These natural ingredients are also great for curly hair like mine. Curly hair has a tendency to dry out, but the natural oils in the Mai Hair and Body oil fight brittle dry strands.

For an all natural solution to wrinkles why not source from your own skin. That is the idea behind the Maria Firming Cream. Made from Squalane, an unsaturated oil which is produced by our natural skin cells. Squalane is also found in olives, palm trees and other natural sources. COQ10 is the second and last ingredient in the cream, known to be in many highly priced anti-aging creams.

Learn more about Salud and their great health and beauty products here. And watch me test out their Mai Hair and Body Oil on their YouTube and Instagram channel!

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you’ll know I recently got my hair done. I got it cut and for the first time ever, colored! I had been wanting to get my hair colored since before New York Fashion Week, but unfortunately I was not fast enough in booking my hair stylist. I say that because she is always booked and for good reason! My hair stylist Krystal works at Vito Mazza known in 2012 for being the best Salon and Spa in the U.S. by Repackage.

I had never had my hair colored but I was ready for a lighter look and to say good-bye to my naturally dark brown/black hair. I have thick curly hair but my curls were being weighed down by the length of my hair. I was also losing hair in the shower and some days in bigger chunks than I was comfortable seeing. I take Biotin, the supplement known to help with hair growth and strength, but not regularly. So I was ready for a change that would be healthy for my hair.

My hair before my new cut and color.

I chose my hair stylist before I chose the salon, as she is someone I went to college with. Don’t you love when you’ve kept in touch with someone who becomes successful!? I knew she would do a great job on my hair not only because I knew her, but because her social media is a resume for her work. A scroll through her Instagram alone is an album of her meticulous cut and colors. And not to mention my mom who has very short hair has become her one of her clients as well. Although my mom colors her own hair she always gets it professionally cut. She’s been getting her hair done by hair stylists since I was little, so I knew she would shoot me straight on where to go.

I was more excited for the change than nervous and had sent Krystal pictures on what I was thinking. I didn’t know what the name of the style I wanted was, thankfully she did. Turns out what I wanted was a balayage! Similar yet different from an ombre hairstyle due to the way the color is applied. The goal in this technique is to make the color transition more natural looking. Unlike an ombre hairstyle, dark hair or your natural hair color is left uncolored in the bottom half of the hair. Who Knew!

Here are the steps Krystal took to achieve my awesome new hair.

Dry cut my hair.

She then applied Matrix Light Master, which lightens the color of your hair (the blayage).

Once she applied the Matrix lightener she wrapped those sections with foil.

Off to the dyer for 20 mins, so that the matrix could set.

My hair was taken out of the foils and the Matrix was rinsed out.

She then toned my hair with Matrix Color Sync which helps strengthen the hair fibers. It also helps get rid of unwashed color pigment while locking in the color.

Next Bond Ultim8 Step two was applied to my hair for ten mins. This step helps protect your hair from damage in the process of coloring.

Once the Bond Ultim8 was rinsed off my hair was shampooed and conditioned with Matrix Biolage Hydrasource.

Once the foils came off my hair was lighter already!

Amazing new do!

A sit under the dryer came next to lightly dry my hair.

Already loving it at this point!

She then cut my hair again, to give it a long in the front and shorter in the back style.

As I hardly straighten my hair I opted for a curly do so she styled it with Deva Curl frizz free foam, coconut curl cream and curl boosting gel spray .

Krystal and I. Loving my new hair!

I use Tresemme Color protect shampoo and conditioner every morning. I try not to leave my hair under hot water as I don’t want the color to be stripped quickly. Once a week I apply the Matrix Bond Ultim8 for ten minutes and rinse it out. I am currently using Shea Moisture coconut, hibiscus curl and shine leave-in conditioner for thick and curly hair when I style my hair

My amazing hairstylist Krystal is also a Matrix Artistic Educator. She not only works for Vito Mazza but does hair for special occasions like weddings and proms. Check her out and book her now, she gets booked fast!

I love my new hair! Have you ever tried a new hair style? How was your experience?

Recently on display at the Museum at FIT was the work and thesis projects of the graduating class of 2017. Many know FIT is a prestigious school for fashion, but it also teaches many of the arts. The exhibition showcased students work from all sixteen major areas of study. The exhibition was showcased in various areas of the museum and the school itself.

Accessories Design

For their final steps to achieving their degree’s students were instructed to create a collection around the concept of ” Design Perspective”. Each took on a different interpretation to create their collections. Students used research on consumers, seasons, and inspirations to bring them to life. They created pieces belonging to either footwear, handbags, millinery (hats), or art. Every piece exhibited was judged and selected by FIT staff and fashion industry critics.

Advertising Design

The students of advertising design were to creating content that reaches today’s public. Not only do these final projects advertise a product , they become one with the consumer. The students created experiences, much like we are used to today. To bring out an emotion or thought, not simply an agreement to buy. The advertisements reflect much of what is currently happening and resonates with exhibition viewers.

Computer Animation and Interactive Media

Graduates from the computer animation and interactive media program also focused on engaging with the viewer. They created apps, games, environments and more that integrated their knowledge of technology design. This particular class used many personal experiences and social causes in their work. Race, sexuality, religion and how they felt about these topics came across in these pieces.

Fabric Styling

The class in fabric styling forecasted the color story of Summer/ Spring 2018. Through market research, trend forecasting and four colors they showcased the latest in women’s wear and home décor. Much of the public does not realize how ahead of time forecasters like these students are. Their work is continually a year ahead of its time.

Fashion Design

Fashion Design students used their expertise with fashion design art, CAD, journaling, and art portfolio to create their final designs. Their work was critiqued and selected by industry critics, guest designers and professors who mentored these students. On the judging day the selecteded looks were included in the BFA Future of Fashion runway show. Once the looks were selected the students work with experienced models for their final fittings. Students in the individual categories of Children’s Wear, Intimate Apparel, Knitwear, Special Occasion and Sportswear showcased their looks in the fashion show. Through these steps the students’ personal take on fashion design evolved and prepared them for their careers.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts graduates were tasked with answering the question “How does a young artist create work that is relevant in our contemporary culture?” Their work answered this question by adding their personal experience’s and identity to demonstrate advertising, consumerism, environmental issues, and social media. The proximity to multiple museums in NYC helped them cultivate their thoughts and creative process. They are now able to create fine art relevant to the ever changing society.

Graphic Design

Graphic design students were to write their thesis exploring the past, present and future on the topic they chose. Through the use of graphic media the students expressed their thoughts. With the images and words they selected they offered a fresh perspective on what’s occurring in today’s society. All the work displayed was critiqued by professionals in graphic design.

Illustration

Students of the illustration program used their traditional and digital art media experience to creatively problem solve. The issue being how to create images for commercial distribution that targets specific audiences. Through their personal style, technique, expression and body of work cultivated at FIT they were able to solve the issue.

Interior Design

The class of interior design took their education in problem solving, space planning and research to create their own perspectives. Their perspectives and the issues of sustainability, culture and constructions helped them create their thesis. The objective was to create interiors that looked great and spoke to the viewers. Unlike other students Interior design students created their final projects with aesthetic, functional and program constraints. To work around these limitations they used materials, colors and furnishings to create their interior design stories.

Jewelry Design

Jewelry Design graduates created jewelry with design, craft, economics and ethics in mind. They also thought of sustainability and social responsibility when creating their pieces. They used both modern and ancient techniques to create their jewelry. Their work is to be viewed as both jewelry and individual works of art.

Menswear

The menswear graduating class created their final thesis much like a tailor makes suits. They showcased their designs in their portfolios to their class during a presentation. Next they created their muslin, a plain white fabric designers use to create the base of their designs. Once their muslins were criticized and reworked they began the final process. Finished fabrics and tailoring techniques were then used to create their final menswear pieces. Finally their work was critiqued by well known menswear designers and put on display. Past graduating classes have been critiqued by John Varvatos, Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein and John Bartlett.

Packing Design

The students of the packing design program worked to advance the principals wing branding and packing design. They used innovative techniques to reach the consumers of food, beverage and home products. They also created designs to speak to packing designs to reach the consumers of beauty, personal care and technology products. They were tasked to create the designs within the constraints of conceptual development, graphic execution, production and compliance requirements. They also took into account marketing and what would be their competition.

Photography

Students of the graduating photography class expressed political views, fashion trends, and emotions. They also used documentary photography and their personal experiences with family and their childhood to inspire their final captures.Their photography much like those of regarded professional photographers have the ability to impact the societal culture of the present and future.

Textile/Surface Design

Textile/Surface Design students created textiles of painted, woven, and screen printed techniques. They implemented classical forms of textile creation with innovative new technologies. They created their own aesthetics within the requirements of the textile industry. Their final pieces showcase the students ability to create new textiles that are creative, full of required techniques and its ability to be marketable.

Toy Design

The class of Toy Design uses imagination to help develop kids self -image. Students created toys that help create a healthy lifestyle of play. Their toys also challenge critical thinking in the child who plays with them. Students incorporated community issues, culture, nature into their interactive children’s games. The toys ranged from stuffed animals, board games, digital worlds and more.

Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design

The Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design program focuses on the ability create environments that inspire, inform and persuade the viewer. Students created life size mock ups of events such as a retail space, display, museum exhibition, event or individual place. The students process included the design process and market analysis with the help of industry experts. Their designs were reviewed in an exhibition and finally developed digitally and physically.

It was immensely interesting to see what the future of the creative fields have in store. There is no shortage of creativity with students like these and the colleges that mold them into productive creators. As I walked through the exhibition I was not only learning about these creative majors but remembering my own time in college. There are more details and hours that go into the final product of a creative industry than consumers and viewers realize.

I recently attended The Makeup Show NYC for the first time ever. Open to press, beauty and fashion professionals this two day trade show allows industry insiders to expand their careers. There were also seminars, business forums, hands on workshops and a career fair. I was excited to learn about new products, techniques and discover brands I was not familiar with. Not to be missed were some of my favorite brands such as NYX, Makeup Forever and last but certainly not least Kat Von D. Here is what I saw, learned and most importantly what I bought!

Learned

I was able to sit in on the ” Editorial with Minerals. Truths and Misconceptions ” seminar taught by Valerie Hernández Garcia of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. She created looks that were editorial ready. In both the fashion and beauty industry when a look is editorial this simply means its meant to be shot for a magazine, commercial, etc. Tips given included using stick glue (yes craft glue) to get eyebrows to form in your desired direction. This helps create a dramatic look and holds for a long period of time. This is a necessity when makeup artists work with models and are shooting long hours. Valerie also used the brands “Minerals in the Mist Recharge” spray to set the makeup. The “Recharge” scent is infused with a blend of ginger, mint, mineral nutrients and vitamins. The “Minerals in the Mist” spray comes in an additional three scents “Refresh” a mix of tangerine and grapefruit, “Relax” a blend of lavender and vanilla and “Restore” a grapefruit, lime and rosemary blend. The mineral makeup went onto the models face like a second skin.The mist not only sets the makeup but protects and hydrates your skin.

Youngblood Cosmetics

Valerie using Young Blood Mineral Cosmetics

Youngblood Cosmetics was founded by Pauline Youngblood in 1996. Before creating Youngblood Cosmetics Pauline worked as a medical aesthetician where she helped patients who had severe skin damage. Many of the patients had traumatic damage due to cosmetic surgeries, acne, rosacea and more. The patients recovery took up to six months or more and they didn’t have many choices to help conceal their skin. Pauline noticed this dilemma and worked with chemists to create a line of makeup that could cover the harshest of scars. Not only was the line she created able to cover scars, it allowed the patients skin to heal and breath during the recovery period. It was not long until patients were using her products not only during recovery, but for everyday use.

Youngblood Cosmetics is influenced by California and its laid back lifestyle. Made specifically for sensitive skin, this cosmetics line includes eco-friendly and cruelty free ingredients. The minerals in Youngblood cosmetics include Malachite, Rhodolite, Hematite and Zincite. These finely ground minerals help protect your skins tissue and cells. Youngblood has won the “Best Foundation Award” from Beauty Launchpad and “Best Mineral Blush” from NewBeauty.

I also sat in on Artist of the Year award winner Jordan Liberty’s business forum ” Art and Influence”. Jordan is an L.A. based makeup artist, photographer and makeup educator. He has worked on TV, backstage at New York Fashion Week and on beauty campaigns around the world. Jordan can also be found on YouTube where his videos teach educational and professional makeup tutorials. Jordan gave career tips and spoke about his go to products. He also created a refreshed and clean look while using the new glossy eyelid trend. See the video below and watch him create the look.

Top to Bottom Infallible Paints in 314 Spicy Blush by L’Oreal (press freebie) NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Exotic- original $7.00 (makeup show $4.90) Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita. Original $20.00 (makeup show $15.24) Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper free with purchase. NYX 3-in-1 Brow Pencil in Black. No I don’t need this and I love my thick eyebrows, I just like the extra dark color on my brows sometimes. And they are thinner on the insides although only I can tell. DONT OVER TWEEZE IN HIGHSCHOOL! Original $13.00 (makeup show $9.10) Crown BK9 Deluxe Oval Foundation Brush $5

Besides all the free beauty lessons learned and what I bought home I loved the body art at the show. Many makeup artists and agencies were creating out of this world looks. These works of art took hours! I also learned which makeup brands have worked with major TV shows and plays. The actors in the play “War Paint” based on the lives of makeup giants Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden had their makeup done by MAC. While the makeup brands that worked with the shows ” This is US”, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” and more were present at the Makeup Show.

I also loved the artwork by Moises Ramirez in the “Colors of Beauty ” art gallery. His artwork combines painting, photography, makeup artistry, illustration and drawing.

“The Girls”- Acrylic on canvas

Moises Ramirez

New Products: Some of which I was tempted to buy aka liquid lipsticks! Metallic in makeup are all the rage and high pigmented glitter in a rainbow range of colors was a hot item as well. Cozzete débuted Matte Infinite Eyeshadows which come in matte, crystal and velvets textures. While Sephora débuted the Pro Dimensional Highlighting Pallet. See pics below for more!

Kevyn Aucoin: Molten Lip Color Molten Metals Collection

Smashbox: Be Legendary Liquid Lip. Metallic and Vinyl

NYX Epic Ink Lip Dye

I loved attending the Makeup Show and gaining knowledge on the beauty industry. I definitely wish I could’ve been at two places at once to catch all the seminars. I look forward to next year’s show. Let me know in the comments and social media if you attended the makeup show in your town. The Makeup Show makes stops in Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, L.A. and Orlando. Stay tuned to my social media for pics. Until the next one!

T.S.

All pictures and video are mine except for press pictures which were sent to me by the Public Relations department of The Makeup Show.

Concreteislandista was given this product for review by Beautypress and the participating brands. All opinions are my own and truthful.

Face mask are extremely popular currently in the beauty biz. With so many out on the market its fun finding ones that offer a special something. That’s what Double Dare OMG! 2 in 1 Detox Bubbling Mask kit has to offer. The 2 in 1 kit offers a detox bubbling mask and a Microfiber mask. Double Dare uses natural ingredients in their products so the ingredients used on your skin are gentle yet effective. Some of the ingredients include Methylpropanediol which helps your skin organically absorb natural nutrients. Also in the mask is glycerin a natural fat which restores your skin and defends against dryness. As well as Vitamin B3 which shrinks large pores and helps with uneven skin tone, lines and weak skin. The hydrolyzed collagen in the mask helps form new collagen with amino acids which help thicken skin and correct uneven skin tones. I am always a bit wary about what I put on my face as my skin is a bit sensitive, but always feel better knowing I’m using natural ingredients. I was excited to see how the mask worked and what the outcome was.

OMG 2 in 1 Detoxifying Face Mask

Step 1: Detox Bubbling Mask

One aspect I found interesting about this OMG! face mask was it can be applied on the face with or without makeup. Other masks I have tried require a washed face, meaning this mask has the power to remove your makeup. Although I applied it with a clean face. The mask was wet with the detoxifying ingredients, once you unfold it you place it on your face. You can instantly see gentle suds forming on the mask. The mask is cool to the touch and gently lies on your face. After adjusting the mouth, nose and eye openings I gently rubbed the mask to create more bubbles. Now these were not one or two little suds, these were big and numerous bubbles. To see the detoxification in action is something I’ve never experienced before. The bubbles not only work to detoxify your skin but cleanses and removes dead skin cells. The next step is to sit back and relax as you leave the mask on for 1-3 minutes. During this time the mask remained wet and cool. It did not dry or get stiff like other masks I’ve tried. Once again I loved the smell of these products. I left it on for a full 3 mins then it was time to remove it and wash my face off. After lightly drying my face as recommended I was ready for step 2.

First Mask

Step 2: Microfiber Mask

The microfiber mask consist of nutrients, hydrolyzed collagen and plant-based stem cells. All of which work to give your skin and healthy young glow. Once again the microfiber mask was prewet with these ingredients. After applying and adjusting the mask it is recommended to wait 15-20 mins. Within this time period your skin is absorbing the nutrients, collagen and stem cells. Although I didn’t feel anything particularly different happening, the coolness of the mask was relaxing. After 20 mins I was ready to remove the mask. Once I removed it I had an urge to wash my face because there was remaining liquid on my face, do not do that! Instead I rubbed the rest of the excess into my face, as recommended. I even went into the package to scoop out what was left. I also rubbed it down my neck, a part of the body women forget about often. The result was as an extremely smooth, moisturized and great smelling face. There was a shiny glow to my face as well.

Second Mask

My face felt as smooth as a baby’s bottom!

Hopefully I can put the video I made up but the storm on Friday has weaken my area’s WiFi. I will let you know when the video is up. Stay tuned to my Instagram for more pics on the mask.

Have you tried the OMG! 2 in 1 Detox Bubbling Mask? Let me know your thoughts in the comments and on social media!

Concreteislandista was given these products for review by Beautypress and the participating brands. All opinions are my own.

Don’t you love going to your local spa every week and getting a facial? How about every week getting a hair treatment? If you said yes you are #blessed, but if you said I don’t do that, than you know an at home treatment is your go to! With so many new masks and treatments on the market there is an endless supply of at home spa treatments. Double Dare has created simple OMG! 4 in 1 through 2 in 1 kits that help you get that spa treatment glow right at home. Made specially to be easy, intense, fast and simple their products only take a few steps to complete. These Optimized, Minimized and Grab & Go masks are perfect for the busy lady. I especially love the packaging which is portable, perfect for throwing into a suitcase or overnight bag.

OMG! 3 in 1 Kit Hair Repair System

This treatment consists of a shampoo, protein treatment and mask. In step one you rub in the Healing Natural Shampoo. The shampoo helps clarify your hair of any impurities, just think about all the pollution we encounter in the cities or just by going outside. Smog, smoke, dust, sweat and weird mystery smells! YUCK! The ingredients in the shampoo are 98.6% natural. They include organic extracts of coconut, lavender and rosemary leaf oil. These ingredients help pull out any excess oils and any bad impurities out of your hair. I applied it like any other shampoo, massaged it into my hair. I loved the relaxing SMELL of the shampoo. The smell of rosemary was strongest in my opinion and I absolutely loved it. I thought the amount of suds it produced was good enough to see it working. Although I think there should be a bit more product in the package for us girls who have a lot of hair.

The recovery treatment protein was next after I rinsed out the shampoo. The treatment has antioxidant fatty acids of Omega 3,6 and 7. It also includes Argan Oil and vitamin E which help nourish and protect your hair. The antioxidants in the treatment help fight against breakage in the hair follicle and protect the blood vessels in your scalp. While the Omegas help by thickening your hair. And of course Argan oil helps smooth and defend hair against frizz. While vitamin E repairs damaged tissue in your scalp and hair follicles. The treatment protein also helps produce naturally shiny hair. Once again the recovery treatment protein smelled amazing.

OMG! 3 in 1 Hair Kit

The last step was the Self-Warming Collagen + Kerstin Infused Mask Cap. This goes over the protein recovery protein treatment without rinsing. The mask’s technology helps infuse hair cuticles with the treatment. It also adds moisture to the cuticles of your hair. Once I put on the hair mask I felt a gentle warmth in my head, which felt very soothing. After leaving the cap on for the recommended 10 mins I was ready to rinse again. The result was soft and AMAZING smelling hair.

One package of OMG! 3 in 1 Hair Repair System can be found at Double Dare for only $8.00! But you can also stock up on the system when you buy 5 packets for $36.00 or 10 packets for $68.00.

Overall I enjoyed the OMG! 3 in 1 Kit Hair Repair system. I would however recommend more product in the packages for girls with a lot of curly or long hair. I would also recommend easier to open packages as I needed a scissor to open the packages even after ripping the perforated top. The kit left my hair feeling smooth and smelling great, which I loved and expected. I loved the self warming mask, which I have never heard of before but absolutely enjoyed. I think the self warming masks would be a product that many women whether in the salon or at home would enjoy. As we as a society are becoming more aware of the products we use and how it affects us and our environment,the fact that these products are made with 98.6% natural ingredients and come in slim packages is a plus.